How can a pilot initiate a missed approach from a visual approach?

Initiating a missed approach from a visual approach involves a clear understanding of communication and visual references. Advising the tower in a controlled airspace is crucial because it ensures that air traffic control is aware of the pilot's intentions. This communication facilitates coordinated traffic management and ensures safety, allowing the pilot to maintain situational awareness with other aircraft.

By maintaining visual references during a missed approach, the pilot can make informed decisions based on what they see outside the cockpit. This term refers to the ability to visually identify landmarks, the runway environment, and any obstructions, which is vital for a safe return to climb in case of a go-around scenario.

In essence, option A emphasizes the importance of communication with air traffic control while keeping visual situational awareness, which is essential for safety during all phases of flight, especially during mission-critical stages like a missed approach.